Written by:
Jermaine Galloway
December 2025
Kava is a plant-based herbal substance, also known as kava root or Piper Methysticum, native to the Pacific Islands. It has been used for centuries for medicinal, social, recreational, and ceremonial purposes. Only the root, not the leaf is used. It can be ground into a loose powder or pounded to extract a milky liquid that is mixed into beverages.
Kava is a depressant and is often used as an alternative to Western medicines or to self-medicate for anxiety, sleep disorders, and stress.
So why is this old-school plant now linked to street-level drugs?
Because of its depressant-type euphoria, Kava is increasingly being used with alcohol. Some individuals take it as an alcohol replacement, to ease alcohol withdrawals, or in conjunction with alcohol, which is why Kava is now appearing in liquor stores nationwide.
During my liquor-store scans, I frequently find Kava products at checkout counters, sold under multiple brand names. The labeling often makes Kava hard to identify especially when it’s listed only by its botanical name, Piper Methysticum.
Recently, I shared information about the trending product “feel free,” a beverage containing both Kratom and Kava.
Read more about Feel Free here
Kava + Kratom + Other Emerging Substances
Why is Kava traveling with, or being pre-mixed into, products that contain Kratom, a drug that acts like an opioid?
Kava can enhance or spike the euphoria of certain opioid-like substances.
I have seen Kava and Kratom mixed together under several brand names and sold in smoke shops, liquor stores, and gas stations. Kava has also been found blended with Tianeptine, a powerful synthetic drug sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin.”
Because products may list only the name Piper Methysticum, it is easy to overlook Kava as an ingredient especially when it appears alongside stronger or trendier substances.
Availability & Age Restrictions
Kava has no age restriction in most states and is widely available online without any age verification. It can also be found in grocery stores, smoke shops, vape shops, liquor stores, and gas stations.
Kava typically does not appear on standard drug tests, allowing it to move easily under the radar.
Why This Matters
As trends continue to evolve, substances like Kava need to be on the radar of parents, schools, prevention professionals, and community leaders. Its increasing connection to alcohol, Kratom, and synthetic drugs makes it an important emerging trend to observe closely.
Listen to my podcast about Kratom and Kava HERE
Check out this DEA Fact Sheet about Kava HERE